This study investigates how Italian and American media frame climate change through politically oriented and, in some cases, populist narratives that challenge the principles of the open society. The analysis draws on a dataset of 71 items from eight outlets, evenly divided by country and political alignment, collected from Facebook posts that generated at least forty comments. A mixed-methods design was employed, including keyness analysis, topic modeling, keyword-in-context exploration, and qualitative content analysis. The findings show clear cross-national and ideological differences: conservative sources rely more heavily on politicized and populist framings, particularly in the U.S., where climate change is frequently narrated through an antagonistic “elites versus ordinary citizens” lens associated with skepticism toward scientific authority and sustainable technologies. Italian media display a more technocratic approach, emphasizing institutional, economic, and policy dimensions within the European context. Progressive sources in both countries rely more consistently on scientific and policy-oriented arguments, although American progressive outlets show higher political engagement than their Italian counterparts, likely in response to the stronger populist rhetoric and distrust of expertise found in U.S. conservative media. Overall, the results highlight how populist narratives can shape climate communication and influence the openness of public debate in different democratic contexts.

This study examines the influence of political podcasting on public opinion and political discourse in Pakistan, a medium increasingly recognized for its role in shaping narratives and fostering accountability. Political podcasts have emerged as alternative media platforms globally, offering unfiltered insights and sparking critical discussions on political issues. In the Pakistani context, this research explores how political podcasts uncover crucial information, hold those in power accountable, and encourage critical thinking among listeners. The study aims to analyse the content and formats of prominent Pakistani political podcasts to understand their methods and impact on public engagement with political issues. It investigates the unique advantages and challenges of political podcasting compared to traditional journalism methods, highlighting its role in promoting public discourse and fostering a more informed citizenry. Using a qualitative approach, this research underscores the growing relevance of podcasts in the Pakistani media landscape and their potential to redefine political communication. By addressing the interplay between podcasts and political engagement, this study contributes to understanding how new media formats influence perceptions, encourage active citizenship, and shape the evolving dynamics of political discourse in Pakistan. Keywords: McClelland’s Theory of Needs; Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation; Occupational Stress; Media Ethics; Organizational Commitment; Thematic Analysis; Freedom of Expression

ABSTRACT This study critically examines the dialogic and agonistic possibilities and limitations of visual reporting of carbon emissions. It draws empirically on action research conducted with a Scottish City Council, which aimed to enhance the public impact of carbon reporting through visual art. Theoretically, the analysis is informed by concepts of agonism and dialogism. The findings suggest that visual reporting in public spaces can enhance cognitive, emotional, and political engagement by capturing public attention and encouraging interaction and public assumption of responsibilities towards a greener city. However, it falls short of fostering a deeper dialogue and a meaningful agonistic approach.

This article examines the multifaceted role of church leaders in mitigating political violence in Zimbabwe. The study draws on empirical qualitative interviews with church leaders to explore how they harness their social and religious connections, political engagement, religious authority and mediation skills to achieve successful mitigation and prevention of violent conflict. The study reveals that the roles of church leaders in mitigating political violence are multifaceted. The article discusses these roles in four underlying themes: (1) preventing violence by identifying potential political violence at grassroots level, (2) political involvement and the engagement dilemma, (3) spiritual and moral leadership role, and (4) mediation and dialogue, emphasising the role of ecumenical statements and pastoral letters as tools for fostering national conversations on peacebuilding. The findings highlight that the church, rather than a passive observer, is an active agent of change in the face of the pervading political violence. However, the study also brings to the fore the inherent challenges faced by the church leaders in exercising their roles in dealing with violent conflict, such as the risk of partisanship and the complexities in translating spiritual capital into measurable political outcomes. Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This interdisciplinary study is located at the intersection of peace studies and political theology. It not only contributes to theoretical debates on conflict transformation in religious contexts but also offers practical insights for enhancing the peacebuilding role of the church in Zimbabwe and similar political contexts.

Background/Objectives: Despite extensive research on the outcomes faced by parents in contexts of political violence, as well as the protective factors that enhance their well-being, the experiences of single parents by choice (SPCs) in such circumstances have largely been neglected. This study sought to address this gap by examining the experiences of SPCs during the current phase of the Israel–Hamas war that began on 7 October 2023. Method: This qualitative study used a context-informed approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 Israeli SPCs (5 fathers and 6 mothers), including 2 displaced due to the destruction of their homes. All participants were secular Jews, predominantly middle- to upper-middle-class, aged 40–58, and had at least one child aged 15 months to 17 years. A thematic analysis method was utilized. Results: Two overarching themes emerged from the interviews, shaping participants’ wartime experiences: (1) the intensified challenges associated with parenting alone in the context of armed conflict and (2) the factors that mediated the impact of these challenges. Three key challenges identified by participants included: (1) persistent perceptions of danger and threat to life; (2) heightened financial insecurity; and (3) significant disruptions to daily routines. Three systemic-level protective factors were identified as instrumental in mitigating these challenges: (1) engagement in joint familial activities; (2) the presence of a supportive work environment; and (3) social and political engagement. These factors appeared to foster resilience and enhance participants’ psychological coping capacities amidst ongoing conflict. Conclusions: By highlighting the distinct stressors faced by SPCs in wartime and the factors mediating their impact on well-being, our findings extend the Stress Process Model to conflict settings, enhancing understanding of how single parenting is contextually shaped during major community crises. The findings may encourage clinicians and social workers to adopt a more nuanced approach when working with parents in conflict zones, enabling them to tailor interventions to the specific needs of different family structures. For SPCs, such interventions may include tele-counseling to provide psychosocial support and guidance for parents in supporting their children, without the need for childcare or travel, as well as advocacy for workplace policies that reduce financial and emotional vulnerabilities.

Abstract This study introduces the novel concept of the justice/participation paradox to post-conflict peace and justice literature. The 2016 peace agreement between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) formalised a solution to the peace-versus-justice dilemma: allocating congressional seats to FARC while ensuring legal accountability through the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP). In the JEP, perpetrators receive alternative sanctions instead of prison, provided they fully disclose the truth about their crimes, without inhibiting political participation. This has given rise to a new paradox: the ‘justice/participation paradox’ of promoting a political project in one arena while confessing crimes in another. The article analyses the performativity of confession vis-à-vis political participation, based on 38 interviews, participant observation, and 35 hours of video recording. It finds that former FARC members use the JEP to confess and show remorse while asserting political authority. Their dual role complicates continued political engagement, especially as guaranteed congressional seats expire and JEP sanctions must be fulfilled. Based on these findings, the article underscores the importance of recognising time and grass-roots political participation in future peace processes.

ABSTRACT This study examines how gender discrimination mediates the relationship between political social media use and online political participation, and how these effects differ by gender. Using survey data from 720 U.S. adults, findings show that political social media consumption heightens both discrimination experiences and political engagement. Notably, discrimination mobilizes rather than suppresses participation, though men show nearly twice the mobilization effect as women. This gender-differentiated response challenges assumptions about who is most politically activated by discrimination experiences. The mediating role of discrimination is strongest among those with stronger gender norm beliefs, suggesting that internalized gender standards amplify discrimination-based political mobilization. These results reveal how digital political engagement emerges through gendered experiences of adversity and norm-driven responses, contributing to understanding gender dynamics in online political spaces.

Despite their reputation as fundamentalists repudiating innovation and political engagement, Egyptian Salafis have proved open to outside influences and pragmatic maneuvers, transforming into a powerful social movement.

Factors influencing the adoption of Universal Health Coverage in Africa: Insights from a realist synthesis.

This study investigates the post-retirement political affiliations of Indian bureaucrats, examining the transition of these individuals from civil service to active political roles. Based on a critical and comprehensive analysis of secondary data, this research scrutinises the career pathways of 22 prominent Indian bureaucrats spanning 1984 to 2023 to understand the dynamics behind their political engagements. The findings of the study reveal that a considerable number of bureaucrats are opting for voluntary retirement to enter the political arena. This trend is especially pronounced among those aligned with the Bharatiya Janata Party, followed by the Indian National Congress, Janata Dal (United) and other political entities. Additionally, the research underscores a notable trend within the bureaucratic cadre, wherein Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers exhibit a stronger tendency towards political engagement post-retirement compared to their peers in the Indian Police Service, Indian Foreign Service and Indian Revenue Service. This highlights a distinct shift in post-retirement career preferences towards politics among IAS officers. The implications of these findings are manifold, shedding light on the revolving-door phenomenon within the Indian bureaucratic and political context. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of the relationship between bureaucratic experience and political aspirations, highlighting the impact of such transitions on policymaking and the political landscape.

This study investigates the role of political leadership in enhancing accountability for health budget expenditures in Ubungo Municipality, Tanzania. Employing a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 400 respondents using questionnaires. The research specifically examined community awareness of health budget information, perceptions of political accountability, and the degree of political engagement in public health oversight. The findings revealed a significant gap in public awareness: 75% of respondents indicated that political leaders do not disseminate adequate information regarding health service improvements. Similarly, 55% of respondents disagreed that political leaders make the community aware of health budget expenditures. While some leaders emphasized their role in tax advocacy and service monitoring, inconsistencies in communication and community engagement were evident. Only a minority reported frequent community meetings or transparent budget disclosures. These findings suggest that although political leaders in Ubungo engage in some accountability-enhancing practices—such as advocating for tax compliance and expanding health service infrastructure—their roles in transparent budget oversight remain underutilized. The study concludes that political accountability in health service delivery is constrained by limited information-sharing practices and a lack of institutionalized citizen engagement platforms. It recommends adopting integrated leadership strategies that promote fiscal transparency, empower communities through regular communication, and institutionalize accountability mechanisms within the decentralized health governance framework.

Background and Objectives: In the late 18th century, the Hmong migrated to Vietnam, primarily settling in the north. While recent scholarship has examined their cultural, social, and economic life, their historical political landscape remains underexplored. Lai Châu province, a major Hmong hub, offers rich insights into this area, as the community has significantly shaped local culture and history. This study investigates the origins and evolution of Hmong authority in Lai Châu, focusing on political engagement, cultural preservation, and intra- and intergroup relations. Methodology: The research draws on the theories of Max Weber, Joseph Raz, and Hannah Arendt, employing qualitative methods—interviews, questionnaires, and participant observation—supplemented by quantitative survey data and secondary sources. Interviews were conducted with pastors, elders, and villagers, alongside questionnaires given to 44 Hmong Christian and Catholic informants. Participant observation over 2024–2025 deepened understanding of community dynamics, with data systematically organized using Google Forms. Main Results: Historically, Lai Châu’s Hmong communities were governed by traditional authority, with matriarchal kinship central to social structure. Leaders included the village chief (thawj tswv zog), deputy (lwm tswv zog), elders (cov laug zog), and shamans (txiv neeb), who oversaw ceremonies and rituals. Despite French colonial and Kinh administrative pressures, Hmong villages preserved their governance systems and even organized military groups for defense until 1954. Authority combined traditional chiefs, religious leaders, and, increasingly, diminished shamanic influence. Village chiefs and deputies were elected, fostering a democratic ethos resistant to centralized power. Modern Hmong still value political autonomy, often favoring native leaders over state-appointed officials. Discussions: Authority within the Hmong societies of Lai Châu has evolved according to two of the three types put forward by Max Weber (1978) and is present in both traditional and modern societies. Hmong people have so far respected the authority exercised by native chiefs, the elderly, and religious dignitaries rather than formal authority weilded by other ethnic groups. The role of democracy is also important to the exercise of authority as argued by Arendt (2006). This article asserts that elements of the discourse on authority, as argued by the aforementioned researchers, are applicable to the historical evolution of Hmong authority, and is well-preserved alongside cultural heritage of the Hmong people. Conclusions: This article explores the evolution of authority within Hmong societies in Lai Châu province, highlighting the complex interplay of traditional and modern power structures. Traditionally, Hmong authority was centered around the village chief, elders, and shamans, with a matriarchal kinship system that persisted even during colonial rule. In modern times, authority is distributed between elected village chiefs, charismatic religious leaders, and the remnants of traditional practices, while the influence of the shaman has waned. The article also examines how Hmong communities navigate the tension between traditional leadership and the formal governance imposed by the Vietnamese state, reflecting their resistance to complete assimilation and a preference for indigenous forms of authority.

Introduction This study investigates social media–based political participation among Generation Z in North Sumatra, a multicultural region representing Indonesia’s sociocultural diversity. The research integrates a modified UTAUT model with connective action theory to explain how technological factors shape political engagement in digital environments. Methods Data were collected from 500 university students and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The model assesses the effects of performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions on behavioral intention and actual political participation, with political awareness tested as a moderating variable. Results The findings show that behavioral intention significantly mediates the relationship between technological determinants and political participation. Political awareness strengthens or weakens these relationships, and higher levels of political awareness are associated with lower intention to use platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook for political activities. The results also reveal the emergence of third spaces or hybrid activism that blend online and offline participation. Discussion These results demonstrate that social media enables flexible and decentralized political engagement while highlighting the complex role of civic awareness in shaping digital political behavior. The integrated framework advances the literature on digital politics by explaining how personalized political expression, technology use, and civic awareness interact to influence democratic participation in multicultural contexts.

Purpose This study aims to examine the relationship of social media information quality, usage frequency, digital culture, political marketing activities on social media, trust, political involvement and religiosity as a moderation. Design/methodology/approach A survey of 442 Muslim Gen Z respondents was conducted using an online questionnaire. This paper analyzed the data using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Findings Information quality of social media and frequency of social media use directly affect political involvement but do not affect trust. Conversely, digital culture and social media political marketing activities directly affect trust but do not affect political involvement. Furthermore, trust does not have a direct impact on political involvement. Finally, religiosity significantly moderates the effect of the quality of information in social media on political involvement. Practical implications This study emphasizes the importance for politicians and marketing experts to understand the religiosity and digital culture of Muslim Gen Z. Therefore, to effectively enhance trust and political engagement among Muslim Gen Z, efforts should focus on improving the quality of political information disseminated through social media. This study expects these improvements to positively influence the frequency and intensity of Muslim Gen Z political activities on these platforms. Originality/value This research has revealed the impact of religiosity in strengthening the link between information quality of social media and political involvement. This study has also revealed the impact of digital culture in strengthening trust, which was limited previously.

Gender diversity in leadership is essential from economic, political, and social perspectives in any society. This study explores the underlying causes of the underrepresentation of women in political leadership in Sri Lanka and proposes policy recommendations to address the identified barriers. A qualitative descriptive design was employed, based on a comprehensive review of relevant literature. Peer-reviewed articles and data published between 2015 and 2024 by the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and the Department of Census and Statistics were analyzed. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify recurring concepts and patterns across the selected literature. The findings highlight several key factors contributing to the limited participation of women in leadership roles, including the influence of higher education, the legal framework, and entrenched cultural norms. Among these, the legal structure and sociocultural environment emerged as the primary impediments, significantly constraining women’s engagement in leadership at the grassroots level. The study concludes that the existing legal framework and prevailing cultural norms exert a strong influence on women’s political participation. To address these challenges, it is recommended that the government implement targeted policies to enhance women’s political engagement, such as expanding access to higher education, reforming institutional mechanisms that reinforce cultural barriers, and empowering women to develop self-confidence and leadership-relevant competencies.

Understanding the legacies of wartime violence is essential for explaining postwar dynamics and informing policy. I present a meta-analysis of 172 quantitative studies across more than 50 countries, assessing the effects of wartime violence on 22 outcomes spanning four broad areas: (a) civic and political engagement, prosociality, and trust; (b) attitudinal hardening toward wartime enemies; (c) identification with one’s own wartime-aligned group; and (d) generalized attitudinal hardening. The analysis reveals mixed effects on engagement, prosociality, and trust: while violence increases some forms of participation, it does not promote voting, trust, or altruism. In contrast, wartime violence consistently heightens hostility toward former adversaries and strengthens in-group identification and favoritism. However, I find little evidence of broader hardening toward actors not directly involved in the conflict. These results challenge optimistic claims that war fosters cohesion and underscore the need for interventions that reduce intergroup hostility, rebuild cross group-trust, and support reconciliation.

Background Digital Politics is considered one of the tremendous factors of improving political participation and encouraging civic duties among youth across Europe. This study examines how digitalization has transformed political participation among young adults in contemporary Europe. Method Through a meta-synthesis of 30 scholarly articles published between 2014 and 2025 on the Web of Science database and relevant sites, the study adopts a systematic qualitative meta-synthesis design to assess how digitalization influences political participation among young adults in contemporary Europe. Drawing on mobilization theory, it explores how digital technologies such as e-democracy, e-governance, and social media platforms have redefined youth political engagement, lowering barriers to participation and fostering new forms of civic activism. Results The results show that digitalization has expanded political arenas beyond traditional structures, creating accessible and decentralized spaces for expression, mobilization, and collective action. Movements such as Fridays for Future illustrate how online activism translates into transnational political engagement. However, the study also identifies significant challenges associated with digital politics. Persistent digital divides, disparities in technological literacy, and unequal access to infrastructure hinder equitable participation across Europe. Furthermore, cyber insecurity, misinformation, and slacktivism undermine the transformative potential of digital politics by fostering polarization and reducing the depth of civic commitment. Despite these challenges, digitalization remains a catalyst for participatory innovation, particularly when coupled with media literacy initiatives and inclusive digital governance frameworks. Conclusion The study concludes that a sustainable digital democracy requires cross-sectoral collaboration between governments, civil society, and educational institutions to promote digital equity, enhance accountability, and counter polarization. By integrating findings from across Europe, this research contributes to understanding how digital transformation simultaneously empowers and constrains democratic participation in the 21st century.

This article examines how human values, media engagement and sociopolitical events shape immigration attitudes across Europe, with a particular focus on understanding the immigration attitudes of European managers, using other workers as a comparison group. Drawing on European Social Survey data from 2016–2023 (rounds 8–11), this study integrates Schwartz’s theory of basic human values with media sociology to explore the interactive effects of value orientations and information exposure. Using multilevel linear modelling, the analysis reveals that self-transcendence values and structured political news consumption are consistently associated with more inclusive immigration attitudes. While managers generally hold slightly more positive views than other workers do, these differences become more pronounced in contexts of high political media engagement. The impact of general internet use varies across countries, highlighting the importance of national media environments. Temporal fluctuations – particularly during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and the war in Ukraine – further demonstrate how crises interact with value–media dynamics. By combining individual, occupational and contextual factors, this study contributes to understanding how inclusive attitudes are shaped and reinforced within Europe’s evolving information landscape.

Political efficacy plays a critical role in shaping individuals’ political engagement and serves as a key indicator for civic participation and democratic performance. In developing countries such as Pakistan, women often encounter societal and institutional obstacles to political engagement. This study explores how communication and cognitive factors enhance women's political efficacy by addressing the gender gap in political engagement. It examines the impact of interpersonal communication, political interest, and political knowledge on both internal and external political efficacy among Pakistani women. Adopting a quantitative approach, data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire, distributed to female employees of women’s organizations in Karachi, Pakistan. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to test the hypotheses. The results showed that interpersonal communication, political interest and political knowledge increase women’s political efficacy. This study contributes to the existing literature on gender-based political behaviour by identifying factors that strengthen women's political efficacy and empowerment within political spheres in Pakistan. The paper also discusses the limitations and offers suggestions for future research.

Cities are central to climate action, with the district scale serving as a promising level for implementing climate interventions. However, municipal administrations often face significant barriers in integrating mitigation and adaptation strategies due to siloed departmental structures that limit effective collaboration. This article examines how the City of Munster, Germany, developed a Transition Guideline to systematically integrate climate mitigation and adaptation for existing urban districts through co-creative processes within municipal administration. Using a qualitative mixed-methods approach, a baseline analysis revealed critical organizational barriers: fragmented interdepartmental communication, misaligned data structures, and absence of systematic guidance for transforming existing building stock at the district level. Building on these findings, the City of Munster adapted the Climate Proofing approach – a five-step iterative framework for integrated climate action – into a practical guideline tailored to local governance structures. The resulting Transition Guideline consolidates available climate data, tools, and resources through interactive checklists that guide practitioners through integrated planning cycles while embedding co-creation as a core governance principle. Key findings demonstrate that structured co-creative frameworks have the potential to overcome institutional silos, though persistent gaps remain in district-scale carbon accounting and political engagement. This research provides a replicable methodological approach for municipalities seeking to bridge the gap between ambitious climate targets and implementation capacity at the district scale.